Page 38 of Small Town Boy

“Thank you for walking me home.”

“Any time.”

11

BRONWYN

I don’t know why everyone says that it’s hard to avoid people in a small town. Because it’s not. I have successfully avoided Noel Keller for more than a week now.

At least, in person.

My thoughts are a different story. He flits in and out of those like he’s Tinker Bell. Showing up at the most random times, and using that magic fairy dust until I can’t think of anything else. It doesn’t help that I can still feel that kiss radiating through my body. I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed like that. He was holding back too—I could feel it. Which only leaves me wondering what else he has up his sleeve. And a desire to experience it.

Scanning the small, shared parking lot between the church and library, I breathe a sigh of relief that I don’t see a Keller Landscaping truck. The almost full lot has plenty of trucks and SUVs in it—this is a rural town after all—but there is no mistaking his for another. Especially not with their logo on the side. With the knowledge that it’s not here—and therefore he’s unlikely to be—I push inside, only to be greeted by the unexpected.

Noel.

“What are you doing here?” I exclaim.

The question tumbles out of me before I think better of it and can stop myself. My insides are all flustered, like a wild band of horses racing their way through town. I lack major self-control around this man.

“Hello to you too,” he greets, landing me with that gorgeous smile of his. That very dangerous smile. “Pipe burst down in the basement. Reverend asked if I could come help.”

“Are you a plumber?”

Again with the speaking before thinking. At this point, I’m shocked he doesn’t think I’m flat-out rude. Thankfully Noel chuckles, shaking his head.

“Not a licensed one. But I can do minor repairs,” he says, his accent seeming to thicken as he speaks, making the topic of plumbing sound a lot sexier than I ever thought possible. “But more importantly, I own a Shop-Vac.”

He lifts up the large industrial vacuum with one hand, as easily as I would an apple. How did I miss the vacuum? Probably because I was too flustered by the sight of him, having just convinced myself that I was safe. His whole arm flexes, his muscles showing themselves off under his tight T-shirt as he sets the machine down, kicking all the fluster up a notch. Something I would not have thought possible.

Then again, Noel seems to be teaching me a lot about myself.

“You here for Women’s Club?”

I nod. “I am.”

“Meeting’s over at the library this week due to the pipe.”

“Right. Makes sense.”

I turn to go, hand on the door, ready to push it open, but Noel’s voice stops me.

“Women’s Club isn’t something I saw you joining.”

“Why?” I spin back around, trying to decide if I’m offended by his comment. “I’m a woman.”

Noel’s deep brown eyes trail up and down my body, appraising me. Part of me feels self-conscious, while another can’t help but hope he likes what he sees.

“Indeed. But that doesn’t have anything to do with it.”

I don’t follow. But I also don’t have time for whatever it is he’s getting at. Especially if he’s going to play games. I have a purpose for attending this meeting—an important one—and I need to make sure I’m not late. That is not the impression I’m going for.

“Right, well, I need to go.”

I don’t wait for him to respond. I turn back to the door and make my way across the driveway to the library. Once I’m safely inside, I let out a long, loud exhale. One that is much louder than I intended. Oops.

“Long day?” Kenzie asks, looking up from the front desk.